L. Frank Baum

“ Chick called to John. "Rather nice," answered the gingerbread man. "But this cord is so tight it's wearing a crease in my body." "What a pity you are not made of rubber, as I am!" said the bear, cheerfully. "Nothing ever injures me in the least. I'm practically indestructible." "How are you getting on, Chick?" asked John. "Fine!" answered the Cherub. "This knocks Imar's flying-machine into a cocked hat." Then for a time they sailed on in silence, dangling from the ends of their cords, while the strong wings of the flamingoes beat the air with regular strokes just above their heads. ”

“ There the bear and Chick can put you together again, for the child will have no trouble in reaching the bear's cave. After the nine parts are in place I will give you a magic cordial to drink; it will render your body as solid and substantial as it is now." "But how can we escape from the island, once we have reached Para Bruin's cave?" asked John. "The Flamingo people owe me many favors," answered the King. "You do not weigh much, so I will ask one of the flamingoes to fly with you to some other country. It will take two of the birds to carry Chick ”